DIY Popcorn Ceiling Removal - Be Careful

By ProMatcher Staff

Popcorn ceilings may have been all the rage a few decades ago, but they aren’t exactly considered "on trend" these days. We totally understand why you might want to get rid of it, but doing it yourself may not be the best option. Here are some things you may want to consider before you begin.

1. Your popcorn ceilings may contain asbestos.

If your house was built before 1980, we strongly recommend that you have your popcorn ceilings tested for asbestos. Even if your home was built after 1980, there is still a small chance that you could have an asbestos problem on your hands. These dangerous fibers have been linked to very serious respiratory illnesses. Asbestos removal is not a DIY project! This type of work needs to be handled by a certified asbestos abatement service.

In order to reach the ceiling, you will probably need to use a ladder. Projects using ladders can actually be very dangerous. Each year, over 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries. Emergency room visits can be very expensive!

Working on the ceiling is never an easy task. It can be very challenging to position your body the right way. Just ask Michelangelo! This type of work can be very uncomfortable and exhausting. Craning your neck and working with your arms above your head (while debris falls on your head) will leave you sore and unhappy.

4. It creates a huge mess.

Dust and debris will fall from the ceiling as you scrape the texture off. Before you begin, you will need to lay tarps and hang plastic sheeting to prevent the mess from spreading to other rooms in your home. Wouldn't it be nice if someone could handle the mess for you?

5. You could end up damaging your ceilings.

When scraping off the popcorn texture, you could cause add scuffs and dents to the ceiling surface. Without the right tools and equipment, you may actually do more harm than good.

6. Removing the texture is only half the battle.

Successfully removing the ceiling texture is only the first step. You will likely need to repair some scratches and surface imperfections before the ceiling can be primed and painted. If you don't feel comfortable repairing drywall or plaster, you may need to enlist the services of a professional.

7. The timeline is unpredictable.

No two projects are the same. If your ceilings have been painted several times, it may be more difficult to remove the popcorn texture. If your ceilings have never been painted, the texture may come off very easily. You may not be able to gauge the project timeline until you get started. If you need to get the project done quickly, we can you help you find a contractor for the job.

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